Lenses for Miami/Orlando trip

rsant · Feb 10, 2018

Hi everybody. I will have a family trip to Miami and Orlando in a few months and am undecided on which lenses to bring. Will se mostly for family pictures, portraits, candids and, maybe, some landscape in Miami. I am really uncertain among the following options to pair with a D7200 in order to make a 2-3 lens kit:

1) Sigma 8-16mm,

2) Sigma 18-35mm

3) Nikon AF-S 50mm 1.8G

4) Sigma 50mm 1.4 EX

5) Nikon AF-P 18-55mm

6) Sigma 50-150mm OS

7) Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm VR (which I don't own yet)

6) other suggestions?

Hope to hear from you all!

Bob A L · Feb 10, 2018

Nikon 18-300 then you don't have to ask this question if you sell all the others.

rsant · Feb 10, 2018

Bob A L said:
Nikon 18-300 then you don't have to ask this question if you sell all the others.

Would this provide the same IQ of any of the above?

volks 1 · Feb 10, 2018

Get a Nikon 16-80 and the 70-300 and you're set for everything.

rsant · Feb 10, 2018

volks 1 said:
Get a Nikon 16-80 and the 70-300 and you're set for everything.

David Lal · Feb 10, 2018

rsant said:
Bob A L said:

Nikon 18-300 then you don't have to ask this question if you sell all the others.

Click to expand...

Would this provide the same IQ of any of the above?

If you are looking for convenience then consider a superzoom. If you want image quality avoid them all.

There's a DPR review here:

Loading…

www.dpreview.com

And a Thom Hogan review here:

Loading…

www.bythom.com

Do your own homework - there are plenty of authoritative reviews available:

Loading…

www.google.co.uk

Personally, I'd not touch a superzoom with a bargpole.

pe1125 · Feb 11, 2018

I'm sure everyone will have a different recommendation, but here's my take. I took several international trips last year and used a couple of different camera/lens combinations each time. All worked well for me.

When I wanted to travel light (Japan), I took the D7200 with an 18-140. When I was in an urban setting where I was likely to photograph buildings from narrow streets (Europe, Havana) I took the 16-80mm. In Havana I wanted to get some long shots of the classic cars on the Malecon, so I bought a refurb AF-P DX 70-300VR for ~$200 and it did just what I wanted, added very little to my backpack load.

Given what you have, the easy way out is to add the AF-P DX 70-300VR to your AF-P 18-55mm, but I like the 18-140 as a reasonable compromise on the tradeoff between versatility and image quality.

Last, and not mentioned above, my real kit on all these trips included a Sony RX100V as well and it could have gotten damn near all of the shots the D7200 made with little difference in image results. Sure, it's a smaller sensor, but it's f/1.8 24-70mm (equiv) lens does a good job of making up the difference. It would be my choice for the Disney world/theme parks. Wild life in the nature preserves would be a different story (then I bring out D500 and the 200-500 or 80-400).

Don't forget to enjoy the trip.

Peter

Bob A L · Feb 12, 2018

rsant said:
Bob A L said:

Nikon 18-300 then you don't have to ask this question if you sell all the others.

Click to expand...

Would this provide the same IQ of any of the above?

Based on the lenses I own or have owned, yes, equal to or better. Many run these lenses down, but most have never given them a fair trial for themselves, only going by comments on dpr and the like. I do not feel I can comment on iq based on lenses I have not tried and used enough to learn what works best for them and how well they work for me. After the first few months of testing, comparing, experimenting my 18-300 became permanent fixture on my D5500.

rsant · Feb 13, 2018

David Lal said:
rsant said:

Bob A L said:

Nikon 18-300 then you don't have to ask this question if you sell all the others.

Click to expand...

Would this provide the same IQ of any of the above?

Click to expand...

If you are looking for convenience then consider a superzoom. If you want image quality avoid them all.

There's a DPR review here:

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-af-s-18-300mm-3p5-5p6-vr/5

And a Thom Hogan review here:

http://www.bythom.com/Nikkor18-300lensreview.htm

Do your own homework - there are plenty of authoritative reviews available:

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=n...NuXQgAaXt5PIDw&start=10&sa=N&biw=1137&bih=911

Personally, I'd not touch a superzoom with a bargpole.

Thanks David.

I do not not own any super zoom, thus am unable to compare the results with the lenses I actually own. Thus, I tend to favour the IQ I get with more limited zoom range lenses.

rsant · Feb 13, 2018

pe1125 said:
Given what you have, the easy way out is to add the AF-P DX 70-300VR to your AF-P 18-55mm, but I like the 18-140 as a reasonable compromise on the tradeoff between versatility and image quality.

Thanks Peter. I am VERY inclined to do just that. How does IQ compare between the 18-140mm and the AF-P DX 18-55mm plus 70-300mm VR?

pe1125 said:
Last, and not mentioned above, my real kit on all these trips included a Sony RX100V as well and it could have gotten damn near all of the shots the D7200 made with little difference in image results. Sure, it's a smaller sensor, but it's f/1.8 24-70mm (equiv) lens does a good job of making up the difference. It would be my choice for the Disney world/theme parks. Wild life in the nature preserves would be a different story (then I bring out D500 and the 200-500 or 80-400).

Interesting perspective. Haven't considered that!

pe1125 said:
Don't forget to enjoy the trip

Hahaha. Will not!Thank you!

Ron

rsant · Feb 13, 2018

Bob A L said:
rsant said:

Bob A L said:

Nikon 18-300 then you don't have to ask this question if you sell all the others.

Click to expand...

Would this provide the same IQ of any of the above?

Click to expand...

Based on the lenses I own or have owned, yes, equal to or better. Many run these lenses down, but most have never given them a fair trial for themselves, only going by comments on dpr and the like. I do not feel I can comment on iq based on lenses I have not tried and used enough to learn what works best for them and how well they work for me. After the first few months of testing, comparing, experimenting my 18-300 became permanent fixture on my D5500.

Thanks Bob. Nice perspective.

pe1125 · Feb 13, 2018

rsant said:
pe1125 said:

Given what you have, the easy way out is to add the AF-P DX 70-300VR to your AF-P 18-55mm, but I like the 18-140 as a reasonable compromise on the tradeoff between versatility and image quality.

Click to expand...

Thanks Peter. I am VERY inclined to do just that. How does IQ compare between the 18-140mm and the AF-P DX 18-55mm plus 70-300mm VR?

I find the image quality very acceptable on the 18-140. It probably has some weaknesses in the corners at 18mm compared to the 16-80, but likely to be of concern only in daylight landscape photos where stopping down to f/5.6 or 8 will clear everything up. I don't have the AF-P version of the 18-55, but since it is a smaller zoom range and newer lens I would expect it to be marginally better. None of the lenses discussed in this thread are dogs, so to me it comes down to tradeoffs of convenience, size and weight and possible speed (aperture).

Peter

jshen808 · Feb 13, 2018

..as mentioned, I also will recommend the Nikon 16-80mm f/2.8-4 lens, because it can be glued to the D7200.. the lens will be good for both daytime as well as nighttime..

..if need a zoom, I'm going to recommend the B700 bridge camera, with an equivalent zoom range of 24-1440mm, and it shoots Raw..

..Cheers..

rsant · Feb 13, 2018

pe1125 said:
rsant said:

pe1125 said:

Given what you have, the easy way out is to add the AF-P DX 70-300VR to your AF-P 18-55mm, but I like the 18-140 as a reasonable compromise on the tradeoff between versatility and image quality.

Click to expand...

Thanks Peter. I am VERY inclined to do just that. How does IQ compare between the 18-140mm and the AF-P DX 18-55mm plus 70-300mm VR?

Click to expand...

I find the image quality very acceptable on the 18-140. It probably has some weaknesses in the corners at 18mm compared to the 16-80, but likely to be of concern only in daylight landscape photos where stopping down to f/5.6 or 8 will clear everything up. I don't have the AF-P version of the 18-55, but since it is a smaller zoom range and newer lens I would expect it to be marginally better. None of the lenses discussed in this thread are dogs, so to me it comes down to tradeoffs of convenience, size and weight and possible speed (aperture).

Peter

Thanks Peter!

rsant · Feb 13, 2018

jshen808 said:
..as mentioned, I also will recommend the Nikon 16-80mm f/2.8-4 lens, because it can be glued to the D7200.. the lens will be good for both daytime as well as nighttime..

I have considered that too, however, read some posts stating that there was not much difference IQ to the AF-P 18-55mm. Any thoughts?

2yota · Feb 13, 2018

Like Peter, I also use my 18-140 when I'm on vacation trips. The key point is the all-purpose convenience of this lens (and likewise with other zooms like 18-200, 18-300 etc). Things happen at the spur of the moment ... it could be off in the distance or it could be right in front of you. Either you capture it or you miss it while trying to change your lens. Image IQ I find is quite good for what you get. Won't be as good as a prime or more dedicated lens, but way more than good enough for vacation shots. I don't own a 16-80 but it's on my wish list (I think I'll like this lens too and it would fit in with a purpose in it's own right).

Before heading out, choose the lens that you think would work best for where you're going and the type of shots you will primarily be taking.

Lastly, find a way to carry all your gear that will be comfortable & accessible for you. This is a vacation after all and you want to enjoy yourself and not be overburdened with gear weight, and accessories if it starts to become a chore. I always find that whatever is difficult to access never ends up getting used. For myself, I usually have one camera on a strap or Black Rapid sling. This is the camera that's "ready-to-shoot" and usually has the 18-140 on it. On my other side, I will have a messenger bag with my second camera inside. I usually have a 10-24 wide angle mounted on this one so if I come across something desiring a wide angle capture, I just reach over to take this second camera out and I'm shooting in seconds. Of course the compromise here is a bit of weight over having to change lenses on-the-go. Well, this works for me anyhow and I've walked around all day chasing my kids with this setup on me. I guess with kids, you must shoot fast! Everyone has different needs so find out what works best for yourself.

Best of luck and have fun!

David Lal · Feb 13, 2018

2yota said:
Lastly, find a way to carry all your gear that will be comfortable & accessible for you. This is a vacation after all and you want to enjoy yourself and not be overburdened with gear weight, and accessories if it starts to become a chore.

.. sublimation colour printer and diesel generator so that you can check out your photos on the move. Oh and a tripod, maybe two in case the first one fails.

;-)

May be fine for you but carting a lot of clobber around is absolute anathema to me. Also, I don't give a damn about 'missed shots': I'd rather have 10 high quality images than 50 mediocre ones.

I travel with one lens only: a Nik 16-85mm. One camera (well, OK, maybe a shirt-pocketable P&S too) and a flashgun.

It is after all a holiday, usually with companions and family, not a photography assignment.

jshen808 · Feb 14, 2018

rsant said:
jshen808 said:

..as mentioned, I also will recommend the Nikon 16-80mm f/2.8-4 lens, because it can be glued to the D7200.. the lens will be good for both daytime as well as nighttime..

Click to expand...

I have considered that too, however, read some posts stating that there was not much difference IQ to the AF-P 18-55mm. Any thoughts?

..the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is a wonderful general purpose lens.. however, for indoors & evenings, that's where the 16-80mm f/2.8-4 lens will have it's advantage..

..Cheers..

dzimm1435 · Feb 16, 2018

take your 50mm prime, it’s small and easy to pack

plus for portraits get some nice bokeh and blur. I take mine every where I go, some days I’ll just go around town and just shoot with it, even if I can’t find the right “scene” it creates a unique challenge!

Cheers, have a great trip and good luck!

rsant · Feb 16, 2018

2yota said:
Like Peter, I also use my 18-140 when I'm on vacation trips. The key point is the all-purpose convenience of this lens (and likewise with other zooms like 18-200, 18-300 etc). Things happen at the spur of the moment ... it could be off in the distance or it could be right in front of you. Either you capture it or you miss it while trying to change your lens. Image IQ I find is quite good for what you get. Won't be as good as a prime or more dedicated lens, but way more than good enough for vacation shots. I don't own a 16-80 but it's on my wish list (I think I'll like this lens too and it would fit in with a purpose in it's own right).

+1!

2yota said:
Before heading out, choose the lens that you think would work best for where you're going and the type of shots you will primarily be taking.

Lastly, find a way to carry all your gear that will be comfortable & accessible for you. This is a vacation after all and you want to enjoy yourself and not be overburdened with gear weight, and accessories if it starts to become a chore. I always find that whatever is difficult to access never ends up getting used. For myself, I usually have one camera on a strap or Black Rapid sling. This is the camera that's "ready-to-shoot" and usually has the 18-140 on it. On my other side, I will have a messenger bag with my second camera inside. I usually have a 10-24 wide angle mounted on this one so if I come across something desiring a wide angle capture, I just reach over to take this second camera out and I'm shooting in seconds. Of course the compromise here is a bit of weight over having to change lenses on-the-go. Well, this works for me anyhow and I've walked around all day chasing my kids with this setup on me. I guess with kids, you must shoot fast! Everyone has different needs so find out what works best for yourself.

Best of luck and have fun!

Thanks!

Lenses for Miami/Orlando trip

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